Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the roasted turkey and pumpkin pie might have their traditional place at the table, Thanksgiving tablescape ideas know no bounds. Amid the unspoken pressure to outdo the other DIY dinner parties on Instagram, remember, this isn't a competition but an opportunity to channel your inner Martha Stewart, embrace the holiday season, and quite possibly wow your guests in the process.
Place setting is an art—and a tactical one at that. Should you wish to maintain a comfortable distance from your opinionated aunt at the dining table or add a note of elegance to your Thanksgiving table decor, a cleverly placed monogrammed linen napkin might be just the solution.
Elevate your soirée hosting game with these eight Thanksgiving tablescape ideas, ready to inspire your next holiday gathering.
Photo: By Adrian Gaut1/8Candles Galore
Take inspiration from this wonderland-like tabletop by Robin Standefer and Steven Alesch of Roman and Williams: For a dramatic Thanksgiving table setting, arrange taper candles in brass candlesticks at various heights and in clusters of two or three along the table. “I also like using small votives in repurposed glasses for a bit of double duty—put a little water in the bottom,” says Standefer. “Along with a tea candle or votive, it becomes a lantern on your table, and then if you have extra guests, you can use them as drinking glasses.”
2/8Seasonal Colors
Never underestimate the charm of a burlap tablerunner, or the cozy texture of a plaid tablecloth. This table-setting idea by event designer David Stark is perfect for dinner parties all throughout the fall, not just Thanksgiving. For centerpiece ideas, opt for an autumnal color palette like burnt oranges, camel browns, and earthy greens.
Photo: Courtesy of Cabana3/8Thoughtful Layering
Setting a dining table is all about layering—so make sure you approach it with care and consideration. Start with your tablecloth and linens, then build up with your placemats and dinnerware. You could even elevate your fall table with cranberry-red accents, to offer a stylish segue into Christmas.
Photographed by William Waldron, Vogue, November 20144/8Budget-Friendly Florals
Floral centerpieces are a tried-and-true option, and they don’t have to be pricey: You can work wonders with garden-picked or local floral shop blooms. “I have an obsession with making a meadow on a table, I like to call it ‘growing your own table’ because suddenly, you have something thriving rather than one singular, clumsy centerpiece,” says Standefer.
Photo: Liam Goodman, Courtesy of Bryan Rafanelli5/8Conversation-Sparking Place Cards
Place cards can be a surprisingly fun addition to your Thanksgiving experience, helping initiate new conversations, and sparing your guests the social anxiety of deciding where to sit. Plus, everyone feels special when they spot their name has been handwritten with care.
Photo: Courtesy of Standen New York6/8Balance the Center
“For a ‘centerpiece’ approach, place a higher item in the middle of your table and surround it with smaller lower items, like the solar system," says West Village-based fashion designer Susan Standen. “If you prefer a ‘line’ approach, draw an imaginary line down the center of your table and place everything with the line as your guide. I find this works well for bud vases and votives. Of course, it’s fun to break the rules and mix the two, depending on what your inspiration is.”
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of heathceramics.com; Courtesy of Moma Store; Courtesy of heathceramics.com; Courtesy of Barneys New York; Courtesy of marimekko.com; Courtesy of ABC Home; Courtesy of Moma Store7/8Festive Minimalism
Embrace the art of mixing and matching your gold flatware, silverware, and glassware to curate a restrained but tasteful tablescape. This minimalist setup strikes the ideal balance; it’s not too Thanksgiving-centric, but carries a festive charm that won’t feel out of place throughout the rest of the year.
Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Gardner / @rebeccasgardner8/8Food and Foliage
For a farm-to-table aesthetic, don’t overlook the power of decorative foods alongside the Thanksgiving dinner. Design a lavish cornucopia teeming with mini pumpkins, pomegranates, seasonal gourds, and a medley of lush greenery that match your color scheme. Fill small cups with berries, petite pinecones, and fall leaves. Even a simple block of butter (or butter mold if you’re feeling real fancy), can go a long way.
